David Sturtz
David Sturtz is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.
Posts by David Sturtz
A few modern cars still use drum brakes and, almost without exception, drum brakes are used on the rear wheels. The brake drum is attached to the wheel and rotates along with it.
A few modern cars still use drum brakes and, almost without exception, drum brakes are used on the rear wheels. The brake drum is attached to the wheel and rotates along with it.
The flexible brake hoses attach the rigid metal brake lines to brake calipers and/or wheel cylinders. This flexibility allows free movement in the wheels and the suspension.
The flexible brake hoses attach the rigid metal brake lines to brake calipers and/or wheel cylinders. This flexibility allows free movement in the wheels and the suspension.
Disc brakes are commonly used on each wheel of a modern car’s braking system. Brake calipers are part of a disc brake system.
Disc brakes are commonly used on each wheel of a modern car’s braking system. Brake calipers are part of a disc brake system.
Brakes are located at each wheel to slow or stop the vehicle. Brake pads apply pressure to the brake rotors to slow or stop the vehicle.
Brakes are located at each wheel to slow or stop the vehicle. Brake pads apply pressure to the brake rotors to slow or stop the vehicle.
Brakes are located at each wheel to enable the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The brake wheel cylinder applies pressure to the brake shoes.
Brakes are located at each wheel to enable the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The brake wheel cylinder applies pressure to the brake shoes.
The clutch assembly consists of a clutch disc, a clutch pressure plate, and a clutch release bearing. All these components are usually replaced at the same time.
The clutch assembly consists of a clutch disc, a clutch pressure plate, and a clutch release bearing. All these components are usually replaced at the same time.
The clutch cable provides a means to "break the drive" between the engine and the wheels. The engine spins constantly, but the wheels do not, so in order to stop a car's wheels without turning off the engine, the wheels have to disconnect from the engine.
The clutch cable provides a means to "break the drive" between the engine and the wheels. The engine spins constantly, but the wheels do not, so in order to stop a car's wheels without turning off the engine, the wheels have to disconnect from the engine.
The clutch master cylinder generates the hydraulic pressure necessary to operate the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly has two key functions: to transmit power produced by the engine to the gearbox and to disrupt that power flow when the clutch pedal is depressed.
The clutch master cylinder generates the hydraulic pressure necessary to operate the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly has two key functions: to transmit power produced by the engine to the gearbox and to disrupt that power flow when the clutch pedal is depressed.
The clutch slave cylinder is directly attached to the manual transmission casing. When the clutch pedal is pressed, pressure generated by the clutch master cylinder is applied to the clutch slave cylinder.
The clutch slave cylinder is directly attached to the manual transmission casing. When the clutch pedal is pressed, pressure generated by the clutch master cylinder is applied to the clutch slave cylinder.
The purpose of the differential is to distribute engine energy to the axles so that the axles spin the wheels the right way at the right speed. The differential also allows the wheels to spin at different rates as a vehicle rounds a corner.
The purpose of the differential is to distribute engine energy to the axles so that the axles spin the wheels the right way at the right speed. The differential also allows the wheels to spin at different rates as a vehicle rounds a corner.
The clutch pilot bearing connects the manual transmission input shaft to the engine crankshaft. The bearing allows the input shaft to rotate independently of the crankshaft.
The clutch pilot bearing connects the manual transmission input shaft to the engine crankshaft. The bearing allows the input shaft to rotate independently of the crankshaft.
The clutch pressure plate squeezes the clutch disk against the flywheel, which allows power (torque) from the engine to be transmitted to the manual transmission. .
The clutch pressure plate squeezes the clutch disk against the flywheel, which allows power (torque) from the engine to be transmitted to the manual transmission. .
The differential contains gears and bearings that are lubricated by oil. Without this lubrication, friction can wear down the gears and bearings, causing them to fail.
The differential contains gears and bearings that are lubricated by oil. Without this lubrication, friction can wear down the gears and bearings, causing them to fail.
Gear oil is thicker than engine oil or transmission fluid and is formulated specifically for gearboxes, e.g.
Gear oil is thicker than engine oil or transmission fluid and is formulated specifically for gearboxes, e.g.
The clutch release bearing—commonly referred to as the "throw out" bearing—pushes on the pressure plate to disengage the clutch. .
The clutch release bearing—commonly referred to as the "throw out" bearing—pushes on the pressure plate to disengage the clutch. .